Almond macaroons are a delightful treat, especially during Passover when traditional recipes often need to be adapted to fit dietary restrictions. These chewy, sweet, and nutty cookies are naturally gluten-free and perfect for those avoiding chametz.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a delicious homemade dessert, these almond macaroons will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising Passover guidelines. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Plus, their rich almond flavor and soft texture make them a family favorite that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, authentic almond macaroons recipe perfect for Passover. From why you’ll love this recipe to handy tips, ingredient details, and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to bake these irresistible cookies.
Ready to indulge in some Passover-friendly sweetness? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This almond macaroons recipe is a standout because it’s:
- Passover-friendly: Uses ingredients that comply with Passover dietary laws, avoiding chametz and kitniyot.
- Simple and quick: Requires just a few wholesome ingredients and less than 30 minutes of active prep time.
- Gluten-free and naturally sweet: Almond flour and honey provide natural sweetness and a beautiful texture without flour or refined sugars.
- Versatile: You can customize with citrus zest, chocolate drizzle, or coconut for extra flair.
- Perfectly chewy: The balance of egg whites and almond flour creates a chewy center with a slightly crisp exterior.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups almond flour (finely ground, blanched almonds preferred)
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¾ cup honey or maple syrup for a vegan Passover option
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrus twist
- Optional: ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut for added texture
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Spatula
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Whip the egg whites: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. This will help create the macaroon’s light structure.
- Add honey and vanilla: Gradually pour in the honey and vanilla extract into the egg whites while continuing to mix. Beat until the mixture is glossy and slightly thickened.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, salt, and optional citrus zest or shredded coconut if using.
- Fold wet into dry: Gently fold the egg white mixture into the almond flour mixture using a spatula. Mix carefully until fully combined and sticky dough forms.
- Shape the macaroons: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroons are golden around the edges but still soft inside.
- Cool completely: Remove from oven and allow the macaroons to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully.
- Optional decoration: For an extra touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled macaroons or dip half of each macaroon in chocolate and let set.
- Serve and enjoy! These almond macaroons keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, make sure your almond flour is finely ground and not coarse. If you prefer a crunchier macaroon, add a tablespoon of chopped almonds to the dough.”
- Sweetener swaps: Use agave syrup or date syrup for different flavor profiles that remain Passover-friendly.
- Flavor boosts: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or almond extract for unique aromatic twists.
- Chocolate lovers: Try mixing mini chocolate chips into the batter or dip finished macaroons in melted chocolate.
- Make them vegan: Replace egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) whipped to stiff peaks for a vegan Passover version.
- Storage: Store macaroons in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or freeze for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 macaroon, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 35mg |
Serving Suggestions
Almond macaroons are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and dishes. Serve them alongside your Passover Seder as a sweet ending, or enjoy as a mid-afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
For a festive touch, arrange macaroons on a decorative platter with fresh berries or dried fruit. They also work well crumbled over vegan ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy topping.
If you want to explore more plant-based treats, check out these delicious options like Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or fresh, wholesome salads such as Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Conclusion
These almond macaroons are a perfect Passover treat that balances tradition with simplicity and flavor. Their naturally sweet, chewy texture and almond-rich taste make them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe ensures you can enjoy homemade macaroons without fuss or compromise.
Whether you’re new to Passover baking or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh recipe, these macaroons offer a delightful way to celebrate. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and share your creations with family and friends.
For more tasty and healthy recipes, explore other favorites like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or dive into wholesome meals from Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
Happy baking and Chag Sameach!
📖 Recipe Card: Almond Macaroons Recipe Passover
Description: Deliciously chewy almond macaroons perfect for Passover celebrations. These macaroons are naturally gluten-free and easy to make.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 macaroons
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk egg whites, vanilla extract, and honey until frothy.
- Add sugar, salt, and almond extract; mix well.
- Fold in almond flour until a sticky dough forms.
- Spoon tablespoon-sized mounds onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 12g
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